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- Tasks: Lead complex child protection cases and support social workers with coaching and mentoring.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on safeguarding children in Hereford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome payment, relocation support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with Social Work England and have substantial frontline experience.
The predicted salary is between 51142 - 55269 £ per year.
About the Role
Permanent, 37 hours per week, Hereford. Salary range £46,142–£50,269 (HC10) with a £5,000 market supplement (£51,142–£55,269). Welcome payment £10,000. Relocation package of up to £10,000. Closing date 04/05/2026.
Responsibilities
- Provide practice leadership and oversight on complex child protection cases.
- Support decision‑making and quality assurance of Section 47 enquiries.
- Work closely with partners (police, health, education) to ensure robust multi‑agency safeguarding responses.
- Offer coaching, mentoring and reflective supervision support to social workers.
- Participate in strategy discussions and meetings, ensuring clear risk analysis and planning.
- Drive continuous improvement and contribute to service development.
Qualifications
- Registered with Social Work England and hold a recognised qualification (Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or CQSW).
- Substantial experience in frontline child protection and safeguarding.
- Strong analytical, risk assessment and decision‑making skills.
- Experience of multi‑agency working at strategic and operational levels.
- Ability to support and challenge practice to ensure excellent outcomes for children.
- Passion for developing others and embedding high standards of practice.
Benefits
- Salary range £46,142–£50,269 per annum.
- Market rate supplement £5,000 per annum.
- Welcome payment £10,000.
- Relocation package support up to £10,000.
- Professional development – protected time and budget.
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Career progression pathways.
- Annual leave 31 days plus bank holidays; option to purchase 10 additional days.
- Flexible working, including part‑time, job‑sharing and agile arrangements.
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support).
- Payment of professional membership fees (role based).
- Range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits (savings, cashback, discounts).
EEO and Recruitment Requirements
We will interview candidates who meet the essential criteria for the post. We will consider applicants who:
- Indicate they have a disability – part of our commitment to the Disability Confident scheme.
- Identify as an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist – part of our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Indicate they are a Herefordshire care leaver – part of our commitment to support young people leaving care.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner employer: Hoople
Contact Detail:
Hoople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in child protection on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Lead Child Protection Practitioner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions related to child protection and think about your experiences. We recommend practising with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in child protection. We want to see your commitment to safeguarding and developing others shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Child Protection Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Lead Child Protection Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your work in child protection and safeguarding. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles, so tell us those success stories!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you're a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in child protection laws and practices. Brush up on your knowledge of Section 47 enquiries and multi-agency safeguarding responses. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific cases where you’ve provided leadership or made critical decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your analytical and risk assessment skills effectively.
✨Engage with the Panel
Don’t just answer questions; engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges in child protection. This shows your interest in the role and your proactive approach to problem-solving.
✨Highlight Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves mentoring social workers, be ready to discuss your coaching style. Share examples of how you’ve supported others in their professional development and how you ensure high standards of practice are maintained.